POLICE have reopened an investigation into allegations that disc-zone parking in Yarm is being illegally enforced.

Traders in the town claim the disc system operating in the High Street “is not - and has never been - lawfully constituted” by Stockton Council.

Yarm Chamber Of Trade claims the authority is therefore committing a criminal offence by enforcing and issuing fines to motorists in the area.

If correct, it could invalidate thousands of previously-issued parking tickets and lead to a torrent of appeals from drivers.

Stockton Council insists the disc zone is valid - saying Cleveland Police has already investigated the allegations and found “no evidence of dishonesty or criminal offences”.

But the force has now confirmed it is reviewing the initial investigation after receiving additional information.

As reported, a motorist is contesting a parking ticket issued in Yarm High Street.

The legal challenge - made to the independent Traffic Penalty Tribunal - has been launched on the grounds that Stockton Council has allegedly been unable to produce the necessary Traffic Regulation Order (TRO) for the disc zone’s introduction.

And Peter Bell, of the Yarm Chamber Of Trade, is now claiming Stockton Council’s officers are committing the criminal offence of malfeasance by enforcing an “illegal” disc zone.

In a letter to the authority, he writes: “This common law offence has far-reaching consequences - following a criminal conviction, the penalty can be an indefinite term of imprisonment and an unlimited fine.”

A Cleveland Police spokeswoman confirmed that the force was in the process of reviewing an investigation from last year.

A spokesman for Stockton Council said the authority was happy to co-operate with the police as no evidence of criminal conduct was found and “will of course do so again”.

“We are satisfied with the validity of the current arrangements,” he added.

Under new proposals - approved by Stockton’s Cabinet last year - it is likely short-stay places will cover the entire length of the cobbled area of the high street, including current long-stay parking bays.

Stockton South Conservative MP James Wharton added: “There are legitimate concerns about the way enforcement has been carried out and the police are right to look into any potential criminal matter.”